Thread Editing

Wallmaster · 01-18-2007, 05:43 PM

I have a suggestion for the site that would apply to the starter of any thread. The starter of any thread would be able to edit and delete any post in their thread. I've seen this mostly at blog spots, but with a couple modifications, it could work in a forum. Any changes that the thread starter makes to someone else’s post would be clearly marked (possibly by different color font), and a reason would be required if the starter wanted to delete a post; and if they did, evidence of the post (such as name, post date, that kind of thing) would still be displayed in the spot, along with the starter's reason for deleting the post. A link could be installed that would report a "bad" edit/delete, the same way you can report any bad post, to keep people from abusing the system. The idea also works because, if people think that someone is abusing their power, they don't have to post in the thread, even if the resident mod thinks that the conduct was acceptable. I've seen the need for this most markedly in the Politics/Religion forum, where people tend to get riled up when someone disagrees with them (go figure), and it could also work in the RPG battlegrounds, where the thread starter could enforce any rules they've put on the match.

***Ynot Shane*** · 01-18-2007, 06:52 PM

Too much potential for abuse.

***CaptHayfever*** · 01-19-2007, 10:46 AM

Quote:

people tend to get riled up when someone disagrees with them

That's exactly why this is a bad idea, dude.

And remember, "I'm-a Luigi, number one!"

Chunky Kong12345 · 01-19-2007, 04:20 PM

Don't use black text plz

Irby · 01-19-2007, 05:07 PM

That's a terrible idea.

Young Edsel · 01-19-2007, 05:49 PM

This idea makes me laugh.

***Ynot Shane*** · 01-19-2007, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chunky Kong12345

Don't use black text plz

Agreed.

Double Genocide · 01-20-2007, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chunky Kong12345

Don't use black text plz

I could make a statement of how Chunky's discrimination of the black text sounds racist, but I shall hold my tongue this time.

Wallmaster · 01-20-2007, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chunky Kong12345

Don't use black text plz.

Uuh, ok. I didn't change the text color, so I don't know why it turned out like that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Presidente

Too much potential for abuse.

Not really, if it's done right. Everything that the editor does will be totally visible. Any editing would be a different font (or something similar), and it wouldn't be possible to delete a post without anyone knowing, as there will still be a sort of marker where the post used to be, and a reason for deleting would be necessary. That and the "Report Edit Abuse" button would make it very hard for someone to get away with anything. How much do you ever have to use the "Report Bad Post" button?

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptHayfever

That's exactly why this is a bad idea, dude.

Again, it would be nigh impossible for the thread starter to abuse his power and get away with it. Another thing I forgot to mention is that the mods would be able to look at the original post, without any editing by the starter, and judge for themselves if the edit was reasonable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irby

That's a terrible idea.

Really? Why?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Panfan el Pwno

This idea makes me laugh.

Really? Why?

Irby · 01-20-2007, 05:47 PM

To many flame wars would happen.

Mikhail Gorbachev · 01-20-2007, 06:08 PM

It's a laughably bad idea because the thread starters would have far too much control. Moderators aren't always on, but there's always a thread starter on. I don't see how the thread starter's text being a different font would help. What if they instead removed text? Or selectively removed text to change the poster's meaning? Being able to report doesn't matter. The fact that it would be abused is the problem; being able to report them still means it will be a huge mess for the mods to clean up. I also don't see how the thread starter being able to police their own thread would do any good; the mods do enough and it's really a worthless addition.

Oh, and by the way... Don't use white text either.

Irby · 01-20-2007, 06:36 PM

Wait if Chunky doesn't like the black text then why is he using it? Isn't the black text the default text?

Mikhail Gorbachev · 01-20-2007, 06:39 PM

The default text color varies by theme. Using the default theme, it's light grey.
And Shane used it, not Chunky.

Irby · 01-20-2007, 06:42 PM

Oh I see. I'm using NC and NC's default is black.

Wallmaster · 01-20-2007, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aak Aak

It's a laughably bad idea because the thread starters would have far too much control. Moderators aren't always on, but there's always a thread starter on. I don't see how the thread starter's text being a different font would help. What if they instead removed text? Or selectively removed text to change the poster's meaning? Being able to report doesn't matter. The fact that it would be abused is the problem; being able to report them still means it will be a huge mess for the mods to clean up.

Each of those reasons sounds valid on the face of it, but you're overlooking the main thing that makes this work: no one has to post in a thread if they don't want to. Inappropriate editing or posting would fall on the same level as bumping year-old threads, or posting pictures of rubber chickens in the Metroid discussion forum: members flame you, mods warn you, and pretty much everyone plasters a gigantic n00b sticker on your forehead.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aak Aak

I also don't see how the thread starter being able to police their own thread would do any good; the mods do enough and it's really a worthless addition.

The mods do a bang-up job, but there are some things that a mod just can't do, or at least if they tried it would be the equivalent of two or three full time jobs. I can't tell you how many times I've wished I could do something like this in the PP&R forum. If I ever try to post in an open debate, five minutes later there are a thousand people posting a myriad of different things, and it's nearly impossible to answer half of them in a post that would take up a mere six pages. I've given up posting in open debates now, or at least trying to actively participate in one. All I can do is ask members to PM me and hope someone does. Plus there are always those that just criticize you for your beliefs; not really flaming you, but not giving any facts or reasoning behind their statements, just basically calling you stupid instead of actually engaging you in a debate, like the forum is meant for. The mods can't regulate whether or not every single post constitutes a valid argument, but if the thread starter had the ability to regulate their thread, then they could point out empty arguments, and now they would actually have some authority to enforce the rules of proper debate.

You look at this as way too exploitable, but think about it: how easy is it for someone to bump an old topic? Three clicks and four letters. Bump. But do you now install a feature that makes it so you can only reply to a thread if it's new enough? No, a single warning from a mod will suffice. Someone makes trouble, he gets banned, and everyone learns his lesson. If everyone gets the idea that no abuse will be tolerated, no one will. I think it is a good idea, and I think it would work; it's possible that it would be judged too much trouble for too little gain, but I believe the reasoning behind it is sound, whether or not it's implemented.

And c'mon, I tried to fix the black font; if it's not black, and if it's not white, then what is it? I never messed with any of that, and if it came out black, I'm sorry, but I'm not going to try to fix it, and then find out that I had the wrong color again.[/tirade]

Stupid font. I tried every color that was remotely close to the font everyone else has and it still came out weird.

Irby · 01-20-2007, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wallmaster

the face of it, but you're overlooking the main thing that makes this work: no one has to post in a thread if they don't want to.

If they didn't want to post then what would the point of VGF be?

***Heroine of the Dragon*** · 01-20-2007, 11:58 PM

Unfortunately, there's always a someone who can't help themselves in a fit of whatever, and would abuse this option. You may not abuse it, but you can't speak for anyone else... and especially not people who are allowing their emotions to cloud their judgement of how far they should edit someone's post that they don't like, disagree with or otherwise just want to change. People are people... they don't always do the right thing when they've got power.

We have Moderators who are entrusted to do this exact job. They're chosen to enforce certain standards and control themselves given their power. That's why we refer to them as leaders.

If there's any hassles with the threads/replies in a current non-moderated forum, there's the "Report post" option to bring it to the immediate attention of SuperMods and Admins.

***Ynot Shane*** · 01-23-2007, 05:58 PM

Doesn't matter how it's done. It would be abused. I can guarantee it. Even if I have to be the one abusing it.

The theory that people just stop posting if they don't feel like being harassed by the thread starter is flawed because all that does is scare people away from posting. Not that most people would stop posting. They would instead start flaming.

Wallmaster · 01-27-2007, 07:28 PM

Ah well, so much for that idea. I still think it could work if done right, but it's not my call and I certainly understand what you're saying. Oh well, I'll just have to think up some other ground-breaking idea and see whatcha think.

Thanks anyway.

Wallmaster · 01-31-2007, 06:38 PM

I hope everyone will excuse the double post, but I would definitely like to draw attention to this. This is why I think that my idea is a good one. It doesn't matter who was on the right side of the debate. The simple fact is that they lost their self-control. I specifically tried not to offend anyone, aside from stating my viewpoint as plainly as I could, and I got flamed for all my trouble. I know that it was mostly senior members that were upset, but as the senior members they should be setting an example for everyone else, not acting like this.

_________________________
Me against the world....again. I need a hobby.

01-18-2007, 05:43 PM	#1
Wallmaster Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Sitting in front of my computer like everyone else. Gender: Posts: 281 Thanks: 32 Thanked 32 Times in 32 Posts Points: 3,255.24 Bank: 5,276.81 Total Points: 8,532.05 Donate	Thread Editing I have a suggestion for the site that would apply to the starter of any thread. The starter of any thread would be able to edit and delete any post in their thread. I've seen this mostly at blog spots, but with a couple modifications, it could work in a forum. Any changes that the thread starter makes to someone else’s post would be clearly marked (possibly by different color font), and a reason would be required if the starter wanted to delete a post; and if they did, evidence of the post (such as name, post date, that kind of thing) would still be displayed in the spot, along with the starter's reason for deleting the post. A link could be installed that would report a "bad" edit/delete, the same way you can report any bad post, to keep people from abusing the system. The idea also works because, if people think that someone is abusing their power, they don't have to post in the thread, even if the resident mod thinks that the conduct was acceptable. I've seen the need for this most markedly in the Politics/Religion forum, where people tend to get riled up when someone disagrees with them (go figure), and it could also work in the RPG battlegrounds, where the thread starter could enforce any rules they've put on the match. Last edited by Wallmaster; 01-20-2007 at 03:47 PM.

01-18-2007, 06:52 PM	#2
*Ynot Shane* Not Ready to Make Nice Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: Flaflooga Gender: Posts: 131,641 Thanks: 43 Thanked 425 Times in 218 Posts Points: 261,898.90 Bank: 19,493,465.88 Total Points: 19,755,364.78 Donate	Too much potential for abuse. __________________ When in the real world am I ever going to need chemistry or history or math or the English language?

01-23-2007, 05:58 PM	#18
*Ynot Shane* Not Ready to Make Nice Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: Flaflooga Gender: Posts: 131,641 Thanks: 43 Thanked 425 Times in 218 Posts Points: 261,898.90 Bank: 19,493,465.88 Total Points: 19,755,364.78 Donate	Doesn't matter how it's done. It would be abused. I can guarantee it. Even if I have to be the one abusing it. The theory that people just stop posting if they don't feel like being harassed by the thread starter is flawed because all that does is scare people away from posting. Not that most people would stop posting. They would instead start flaming. __________________ When in the real world am I ever going to need chemistry or history or math or the English language?

01-31-2007, 06:38 PM	#20
Wallmaster Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Sitting in front of my computer like everyone else. Gender: Posts: 281 Thanks: 32 Thanked 32 Times in 32 Posts Points: 3,255.24 Bank: 5,276.81 Total Points: 8,532.05 Donate	I hope everyone will excuse the double post, but I would definitely like to draw attention to this. This is why I think that my idea is a good one. It doesn't matter who was on the right side of the debate. The simple fact is that they lost their self-control. I specifically tried not to offend anyone, aside from stating my viewpoint as plainly as I could, and I got flamed for all my trouble. I know that it was mostly senior members that were upset, but as the senior members they should be setting an example for everyone else, not acting like this. _________________________ Me against the world....again. I need a hobby. Last edited by Wallmaster; 02-02-2007 at 08:51 PM. Reason: Stupid font. Stupid, stupid, stupid....

01-19-2007, 04:20 PM	#4
Chunky Kong12345 WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK I AM!? Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: ogmftwbqq Gender: Posts: 16,796 Thanks: 62 Thanked 307 Times in 222 Posts Points: 396.64 Bank: 132,867.57 Total Points: 133,264.21 Donate	Don't use black text plz

01-19-2007, 05:07 PM	#5
Irby Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Canada, Eh. Gender: Posts: 7,121 Thanks: 349 Thanked 123 Times in 104 Posts Blog Entries: 5 Points: 45,113.77 Bank: 20,290.75 Total Points: 65,404.52 Donate	That's a terrible idea.

01-19-2007, 05:49 PM	#6
Young Edsel Her Hitler hairdo is making me feel ill Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: RUNNING IN PLACE (Panfan) Gender: Posts: 11,707 Thanks: 545 Thanked 945 Times in 658 Posts Blog Entries: 13 Points: 3,565.98 Bank: 18,592.51 Total Points: 22,158.49 Donate	This idea makes me laugh.

01-20-2007, 05:47 PM	#10
Irby Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Canada, Eh. Gender: Posts: 7,121 Thanks: 349 Thanked 123 Times in 104 Posts Blog Entries: 5 Points: 45,113.77 Bank: 20,290.75 Total Points: 65,404.52 Donate	To many flame wars would happen.

01-20-2007, 06:08 PM	#11
Mikhail Gorbachev Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Gender: Posts: 9,593 Thanks: 30 Thanked 81 Times in 65 Posts Points: 418.54 Bank: 32,290.67 Total Points: 32,709.21 Donate	It's a laughably bad idea because the thread starters would have far too much control. Moderators aren't always on, but there's always a thread starter on. I don't see how the thread starter's text being a different font would help. What if they instead removed text? Or selectively removed text to change the poster's meaning? Being able to report doesn't matter. The fact that it would be abused is the problem; being able to report them still means it will be a huge mess for the mods to clean up. I also don't see how the thread starter being able to police their own thread would do any good; the mods do enough and it's really a worthless addition. Oh, and by the way... Don't use white text either.

01-20-2007, 06:36 PM	#12
Irby Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Canada, Eh. Gender: Posts: 7,121 Thanks: 349 Thanked 123 Times in 104 Posts Blog Entries: 5 Points: 45,113.77 Bank: 20,290.75 Total Points: 65,404.52 Donate	Wait if Chunky doesn't like the black text then why is he using it? Isn't the black text the default text?

01-20-2007, 06:39 PM	#13
Mikhail Gorbachev Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Gender: Posts: 9,593 Thanks: 30 Thanked 81 Times in 65 Posts Points: 418.54 Bank: 32,290.67 Total Points: 32,709.21 Donate	The default text color varies by theme. Using the default theme, it's light grey. And Shane used it, not Chunky.

01-20-2007, 06:42 PM	#14
Irby Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Canada, Eh. Gender: Posts: 7,121 Thanks: 349 Thanked 123 Times in 104 Posts Blog Entries: 5 Points: 45,113.77 Bank: 20,290.75 Total Points: 65,404.52 Donate	Oh I see. I'm using NC and NC's default is black.

01-20-2007, 11:58 PM	#17
*Heroine of the Dragon* The Grinnie Fool! ♥ VGFCodes Staff Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: In a pretty place surrounded by sparkly faerie dust!! Gender: Posts: 27,831 Thanks: 286 Thanked 356 Times in 276 Posts Blog Entries: 1 Points: 19,946.65 Bank: 2,889,707.10 Total Points: 2,909,653.75 Donate	Unfortunately, there's always a someone who can't help themselves in a fit of whatever, and would abuse this option. You may not abuse it, but you can't speak for anyone else... and especially not people who are allowing their emotions to cloud their judgement of how far they should edit someone's post that they don't like, disagree with or otherwise just want to change. People are people... they don't always do the right thing when they've got power. We have Moderators who are entrusted to do this exact job. They're chosen to enforce certain standards and control themselves given their power. That's why we refer to them as leaders. If there's any hassles with the threads/replies in a current non-moderated forum, there's the "Report post" option to bring it to the immediate attention of SuperMods and Admins.

01-27-2007, 07:28 PM	#19
Wallmaster Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Sitting in front of my computer like everyone else. Gender: Posts: 281 Thanks: 32 Thanked 32 Times in 32 Posts Points: 3,255.24 Bank: 5,276.81 Total Points: 8,532.05 Donate	Ah well, so much for that idea. I still think it could work if done right, but it's not my call and I certainly understand what you're saying. Oh well, I'll just have to think up some other ground-breaking idea and see whatcha think. Thanks anyway.